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Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish featuring a fluffy, moist crumb with a golden, slightly crispy crust. Made from simple pantry staples like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, it offers a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with hearty stews, chili, or just butter and honey. This easy-to-make recipe delivers timeless comfort food appeal and can be customized with various mix-ins or dietary adaptations.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • Cornmeal – 1 cup
  • All-purpose flour – 1 cup
  • Sugar – 2 tablespoons
  • Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
  • Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon

Wet Ingredients

  • Buttermilk – 1 cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
  • Butter – 4 tablespoons, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined and uniform in texture.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk and melted butter until fully blended and smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently just until the mixture comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread light and fluffy.
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes in the pan before slicing and serving warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh cornmeal for a sweeter, more vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense, tough cornbread.
  • Baking in a preheated cast-iron skillet ensures a crispy, golden crust.
  • Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to hydrate the cornmeal and improve moisture.
  • Adjust sugar amount based on your taste preference or the dishes served alongside.

Nutrition

Keywords: buttermilk cornbread, Southern cornbread, fluffy cornbread, comfort food, side dish, easy cornbread recipe